Dual volume-ratio scroll machine

Abstract

A compressor may include a shell, first and second scroll members, and a first annular seal. The first scroll member may be supported within the shell and may include a first end plate having a first spiral wrap extending from a first surface thereof and a second surface having an annular groove therein. The annular groove may include a first portion having a first depth and a second portion disposed radially inwardly relative to the first portion and having a second depth that is less than the first depth. The second scroll member may be supported within the shell and may include a second end plate having a second spiral wrap extending therefrom and meshingly engaged with the first spiral wrap. The first annular seal may be positioned within the annular groove.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A compressor comprising:
 a shell; 
 a first scroll member supported within said shell and including a first end plate having a first spiral wrap extending from a first surface thereof and a second surface having an annular groove therein, said annular groove including a first portion having a first depth and a second portion disposed radially inwardly relative to said first portion and having a second depth that is less than said first depth; 
 a second scroll member supported within said shell and including a second end plate having a second spiral wrap extending therefrom and meshingly engaged with said first spiral wrap; and 
 a first annular seal positioned within said annular groove. 
 
     
     
       2. The compressor of  claim 1 , wherein said first annular seal has an L-shaped cross-section including first and second legs, said first leg being disposed in said first portion of said annular groove and said second leg being disposed in said second portion of said annular groove. 
     
     
       3. The compressor of  claim 2 , wherein said first leg is an axially extending leg. 
     
     
       4. The compressor of  claim 2 , wherein said second leg is a radially extending leg. 
     
     
       5. The compressor of  claim 1 , wherein said annular groove includes first and second walls defining radially inner and outer portions of said annular groove. 
     
     
       6. The compressor of  claim 5 , wherein said first and second walls contain a portion of said first annular seal radially therebetween. 
     
     
       7. The compressor of  claim 1 , wherein said first annular seal radially abuts a wall of said annular groove. 
     
     
       8. The compressor of  claim 1 , wherein said annular groove radially retains said first annular seal therein. 
     
     
       9. The compressor of  claim 1 , further comprising a partition supported within said shell, said first annular seal disposed between and sealingly engaged with said partition and said first scroll member. 
     
     
       10. The compressor of  claim 1 , wherein said first scroll member defines a discharge passage surrounded by said annular groove. 
     
     
       11. The compressor of  claim 10 , wherein said first annular seal has an L-shaped cross-section including an axial leg and a radial leg extending from said axial leg toward said discharge passage. 
     
     
       12. The compressor of  claim 10 , wherein said second portion of said annular groove is located radially between said discharge passage and said first portion of said annular groove. 
     
     
       13. The compressor of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second portions of said groove are defined by said first scroll member. 
     
     
       14. The compressor of  claim 1 , wherein said first annular seal is formed from an elastomeric material.